Radial McBoost

The Radial McBoost is a phantom-powered microphone signal booster that adds up to 26 dB of clean gain to dynamic and ribbon microphones. Placed between your mic and preamp, it raises low-output mics to an ideal level, improving clarity, transient response, and noise performance, especially on quiet sources, long cable runs, and budget interfaces. A selectable impedance load lets you tailor the tone of your microphone.

Highlights

• Up to 26 dB of clean gain for dynamic and ribbon mics
• Class-A dual-transistor circuit for transparent sound
• 3-position impedance selector to shape mic response
• Variable gain via 3-position level switch
• Powered by 48V phantom; no batteries or supply needed
• Rugged Radial steel construction

Radial McBoost: More Gain, Less Noise

Low-output dynamic mics like the Shure SM7B, and especially ribbon mics, often need more gain than many interfaces and mixers can provide cleanly. The McBoost adds up to 26 dB of low-noise gain before the signal reaches your preamp, so you can run the preamp at a lower, quieter setting and capture a cleaner, more detailed recording.

Tune Your Mic With Impedance Control

Changing the load a microphone sees changes its tone. The McBoost’s three-position impedance selector lets you choose a setting that best suits your mic, from fuller and warmer to brighter and more open, adding a creative option for vocals, guitar cabinets, and broadcast voices.

Setting Up the McBoost

Connect your microphone to the McBoost input, then run an XLR cable from its output to your mixer or interface. Turn on 48V phantom power, which powers the McBoost without passing phantom to your microphone, protecting ribbon mics. Choose the impedance setting, set the level switch, and adjust your preamp gain.

What to Pair With the McBoost

Pair the McBoost with a dynamic broadcast mic such as the Shure SM7B, a ribbon microphone, an audio interface or mixer with phantom power, and quality XLR cables.

Ideal for Podcasting and Broadcast

Podcasters and streamers using dynamic broadcast mics often struggle with noisy, maxed-out preamps. The McBoost delivers the extra gain needed for a clean, full voice, and its elevated output helps on long cable runs in studios, broadcast centers, and stages.

Great for Ribbon Mics

Ribbon mics deliver smooth, natural sound but very low output. The McBoost brings them up to an optimal level, and because it doesn’t pass phantom to the mic, it’s safe to use with passive ribbons.

Built Radial Tough

A 14-gauge steel I-beam inner frame resists torquing, and the book-end outer shell protects the switches and connectors, so the McBoost holds up on tour and in busy studios.

Getting the Best Results

Start with the level switch at its lowest setting and raise it only as needed, then set your preamp gain for healthy levels without clipping. Try each impedance setting during soundcheck or a test recording, since the best choice depends on the microphone and the voice or instrument.

Radial McBoost FAQ

Does it need batteries? No. It runs on 48V phantom power from your mixer or interface.

Is it safe for ribbon mics? Yes. It does not pass phantom power through to the microphone.

Radial McBoost Specifications at a Glance

• Type: active mic signal booster
• Gain: up to 26 dB, 3-position level switch
• Circuit: Class-A dual transistor
• Impedance: 3-position selector
• Power: 48V phantom
• Connectors: XLR in and out

Who Buys the Radial McBoost

• Podcasters and streamers
• Home and project studios
• Broadcast facilities
• Ribbon mic users

Why Buy the Radial McBoost From Metro Sound & Lighting

Metro Sound & Lighting isn’t a catalog-only retailer. We design, install, and service audio and recording systems in-house, so our team can help you get the best sound from your microphones and support your setup after the sale. We offer B2B and integrator pricing for schools, churches, and studios.

Browse more options in our Direct Boxes category, or see the full specifications on the official Radial McBoost product page.